Hypoteneuse Stole

Time spent waiting plus a straightforward geometric lace pattern equals a completed Hypoteneuse Wrap. Talented Anne Hansen at Knitspot created this pattern as “man lace”, and it is a clean and un-frilly design that a man would wear as a scarf. Yet it is also simple and elegant enough that it makes a lovely and warm stole.



I’ve knit the larger size with Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in the Black which has a subtle blue-black cast to it. Though the yarn is slightly tweedy with tiny silky slubs, it knits up smoothly with good stitch definition. After a soak, the Silky Wool softened and blocked out very well. The yarn and knitted fabric have a light, dry, cottony feel, yet the wrap is quite warm. The fabric is sturdy enough that it will make a perfect everyday or travel wrap.



The pattern is intuitive and easily memorized, which made it perfect for travel and social knitting. The wrap can be made any size by adding or subtracting repeats in width and length. I think it would look great knitted in pretty much anything from laceweight to bulky handspun.



This was an immensely enjoyable project. I loved the pattern, yarn, and process, and the finished product is just what I wanted it to be!



Details:
Pattern: Hypoteneuse Scarf or Shawl, from Knitspot, purchase it on the website
Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool (65% wool/35% silk) in Black
Needles: US6/4mm KnitPicks Options circulars
Gauge: 4 stitches/inch blocked in stockinette
Started: 8/29/2007
Completed: 2/2/2008
Finished Size: 21” x 78”, though I could have blocked it longer.